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THE KIDPROOF BLOG TELLS US ABOUT RAISING BOYS AND BROTHERHOOD

Six years ago the Kidproof blog’s Helsinki based founder Esther discovered the world of children’s clothing and since then as developed a passion for this emerging area of innovative and exciting design. Like many of our readers she devoured magazines and blogs and made it her mission to seek our specialist stores when she was travelling. Designed to inspire, Kidproof is a manifestation of Esther’s love of little people’s fashion and the blog is “made for you and a little for us too”. Together with her blog partner, Berlin-based Saara, the pair takes and edits their own photographs. These portraits give us a touching insight into their family life and in particular the brotherly dynamic between their young sons.

YOU CAN EXPECT A SENSITIVE SIDE FROM LITTLE BOYS & BOISTEROUS BROTHERS

There is always bound to be a bit of friction between young siblings but Esther is quick to debunk the “noise with dirt on it” stereotype which is often applied to little boys. “My experience with raising my two little boys is that they’re amazing, sensitive and caring little guys”. Saara has also witnessed this softer side in her own children and has never had to worry about jealous older siblings. Since the beginning my older son was very protective towards his little brother and told everyone stories about ‘our baby’. My older son didn’t even want to join the kindergarten for couple of weeks when the baby was born. He preferred to stay at home with me and the new-born”.

Saara tells of a car trip home with a travel-worn five month old baby who was crying inconsolably. “When I turned around to calm him down I saw that my elder son was already holding his baby brother’s tiny hand in his own and my heart melted when I heard him saying…Baby, there is nothing to be worried about, I love you”.

NURTURE PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN YOUNG SIBLINGS

We asked the Kidproof mothers about their secrets behind raising such well-behaved children. Esther explains that even the most attentive older brothers can become exasperated by demanding young babies. She often tells her eldest stories about his own infancy so he can better grasp the needs of a young baby. “It clearly makes it more bearable to see cars being chewed and drooled on when I explain that you as a baby were the same”.

She also builds nurturing moments into the boys’ routine. “I ask them to say good night to each other each night before they go to bed. We started when the baby was just a few months old and it has been wonderful to see how they’ve gotten used to the habit…the younger one it always thrilled about the attention that he gets from his big brother.”

EXCITING NEW STYLES FROM KIDS DESIGNERS FOR BOYS

You could certainly call the team from Kidproof experts in children’s fashion. Like AlexandAlexa they agree that the more exciting styles are now available for boys. “There are definitely more nice brands than a couple of years ago” says Saara “What I really like is that many brands create unisex collections. Also online shopping makes things easy and effortless”.

When we asked Esther what her favourite children’s brands were she finds it hard to choose but names the children’s collections from Stella McCartney and Mini Rodini, she also recently tried some pieces from Zadig & Voltaire. She says that her eldest son is already “clearly interested in his clothes and has favourites. Among others he has named the brand Finger in the nose as his ‘most favourite’. I have not doubts that the choice may have been affected the name”. “ If I let him choose what to wear her would most likely pick a pair of black slim jeans from Finger in the Nose, combined with a fierce tee by Munster Kids and a cap by DC or Vans.”

Visit the Kidproof blog here. All photographs are ©Kidproof.co 2013

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